Leaks & Service Repairs

757-399-3066 ext 3 (Leaks & Service Repairs)

Reroof Estimates & Inspections

757-399-3066 ext 1 (Reroof Estimates & Inspections)

Category: Skylight

Shopping for a new house? Don’t forget to look up!

When potential home buyers are house shopping, they tend to focus on a home’s interior features, its location, neighborhood, and general curb appeal.

But one thing you should never overlook in a listing is a home’s roof. As an essential structural component of any home, a roof is one of the largest investments owners can make. In today’s cut-throat, competitive housing market, buyers are often willing to waive home inspections to have their offer considered over others. But this is never a good idea – buying a home without knowing about the condition of its roof is a risk that could cost you tens of thousands of dollars.

So, what should you look for as you leaf through those listings? Here are just a few considerations for prospective homebuyers when evaluating a property’s roof.

  1. Age: The age of a roof can tell you a lot and is perhaps the most important fact to know about it in advance. An older roof may be nearing the end of its lifespan and could require costly repairs or replacement soon. Look for signs of wear and tear such as missing or damaged shingles, sagging areas, or water stains on the ceiling. If the listing doesn’t say the roof’s age, have your real estate agent inquire about it.
  2. Material: Different roofing materials have varying lifespans, maintenance requirements, and durability. Most commonly in the Hampton Roads region you’ll see architectural asphalt shingles. But there are also metal roofs, clay tile, wood shake, and even synthetic recycled materials. Consider our local climate and what makes the most sense for your lifestyle and the home’s location when assessing roofing materials and whether you’re ready to take on their care.
  3. Leaks and Water Damage: Water damage can lead to extensive structural issues and mold growth. During a home inspection, carefully examine the interior ceilings, walls, and attic for any signs of water stains, mold, or mildew. Additionally, look for evidence of leaks around skylights, chimneys, vents, and flashings. All of these things can point to a roof that at best needs repairs and at worst needs to be completely replaced.
  4. Gutters and Drainage: Proper slope and drainage is essential for preventing water from pooling on a roof and causing damage – this is especially important in low slope or flat roofs. Likewise, gutters keep water from running off the roof and toward the foundation of a house, causing water damage that can affect a home’s overall structure. Inspect the gutters and downspouts for debris buildup, corrosion, or damage. Ensure that they are securely attached and effectively channel water away from the foundation of the house.
  5. Ventilation: Adequate attic ventilation helps regulate temperature and moisture levels, prolonging the lifespan of the roof and preventing issues like ice dams and mold growth. Check for vents along the eaves, ridge, and soffits, and ensure they are clear of obstructions. Improper ventilation can not only reduce the lifespan of a roof, but also dramatically increase your utility bills.
  6. Previous Repairs or Replacements: Inquire about any past roof repairs or replacements and obtain documentation if available. A well-maintained roof with a history of regular inspections and maintenance is sure to be in better condition than one that hasn’t. A roof that was recently replaced likely has material or workmanship warranties. Having the information about that is critical in case you need to make a future claim.
  7. Professional Inspection: While an initial visual assessment of the roof is something you can do yourself while touring a home, hiring a qualified roofing contractor or home inspector for a thorough evaluation is highly recommended. They can identify hidden issues, assess the overall condition of the roof, and provide insights into potential maintenance or repair costs. Don’t skip this step!

Andrews Roofing Can Help
If you’re in the process of purchasing a new home in the Tidewater area and you’d like a professional roof inspection done by a licensed roofing contractor, contact Andrews Roofing. We can give you the peace of mind that your investment is a solid one and keep you from financial heartache down the road.

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How To Deal With Water Stains on Your Roof

When the outside becomes treacherous, a solid roof is your first line of defense against the elements. You can imagine how disheartening it is when the protective covering of your home starts to change in appearance—a clear indicator that your roof is feeling the impact of inclement weather over time. Water is among the most common causes of aging in a roof, leaving unsightly moisture stains that threaten to compromise the security of your house if left untreated. Consider the color of water stains and extent of damage when coming up with a solution for your roof.

Black or Green Roof Stains

Black or green water stains on your roof indicate growing organisms, such as algae or moss. The presence of constant moisture and sunlight makes for a delicious and cozy harvesting area for such microscopic tenants. They can lock in unwanted dampness or invite other, larger creatures to wreak havoc on the top of your house. Power-spraying or scrubbing the problem on your own is possible, but likely to cause further, irreparable damage.

White or Yellow Roof Stains

White or yellow discoloration on your roof suggests hard-water buildup from an air conditioner or evaporative cooler. This type of staining often occurs on lower areas roof beneath cooling units and sticks out like a sore thumb. Similar to algae-type staining, attempting to scrub or power-wash will probably make things worse. Rather, you can try fading the damage with a vinegar solution, which works to gradually dull mild stains without risk to the plants or animals around your home. Be careful of any harsher home remedies, as they can become dangerous if mishandled.

When in doubt, professional roofing companies are better equipped to eradicate roofing stains with special chemicals, sealers or new repellent shingles when necessary. Expert solutions work quicker and last longer, saving you the hazardous trip up the ladder. Call Andrew’s Roofing at 757-296-2897 or use our contact page for more information.

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Install Skylights the Right Way

Skylights introduce beautiful, natural lighting into your business or home. Of course, like any window, you have to install your skylight properly to avoid future problems. Improperly installed skylights often leak water or allow the outside temperatures in. Here is how you need to install a skylight to avoid common issues.

Leaking Skylights

A professional contractor won’t leave you with a leaky skylight. A properly installed skylight is going to have tightly sealed joints. A contractor may even mount the frame above the roof’s surface so that leaks are less likely.

Controlled Temperature

If you install the skylight yourself, you’re more at risk for less temperature control. In the summer, you want to keep the cool air in, while in the winter, you want to retain heat but also allow the sun to beat down on the glass. The way that contractors make sure your skylight helps keep your temperature under control is by installing it at the right slope. Often, they will use a skylight that has a tilted base.

You want a skylight that has a slope equal to your latitude plus five to 15 degrees. Of course, a professional may also install blinds or shades so that you can further control the amount of light and heat that you allow into your building. Now, if you think that you would benefit from a skylight that opens like a window, you can have that too.

Use a Professional

When it comes to installing a skylight, you need to have a professional on hand. When you install a skylight improperly or poorly, it can lead to worse problems. Leaking skylights lead to water damage, whereas temperature control can help you save on your energy bill. While many people swear by DIY projects, there are certain aspects of construction like windows and skylights that you should always look to a professional for help with.

Do you have a roofing need at one of your properties? Contact Andrews Roofing today by calling (757) 296-2897 or sending an email to ben@andrewsroofing.net to get a free estimate for your next project. To learn more about our roofing services, please click here.

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